Am I the only one puzzled by Pandora?

[Cinderella94]

I'm really glad that I have very little interest in Pandora (never saw Avatar, don't plan to). It's making planning our July trip much easier - no need to mess with our ADRs to be at AK in the evening.

We'll make sure to fit the new rides in, hopefully either at rope drop or with FPs, but I'm not too stressed about it.

 

[CAS239]

I really don't see the attractiveness of Avatar either. I was just talking to my fiancé about this the other day. There are so many better movies that they could've went with for a new land in AK.

Like what? What visually would beat out Avatar?

There's the storyline that ties into AK and the stunning scenery. For an entire land, I can't think of one that would be better.

 

[Taylor F.]

Say it with me now: crowd dispersal.

 

[CAS239]

Seems like those complaining or having no interest in the land have never even seen the movie.

Which is fine, but I couldn't judge a new area on something I've never seen or have any idea about. Of course at least one of the sequels should've came out by now to get everyone back talking about the movie(s), but that doesn't take away the fact that it's one of the biggest movies of all time..and a good movie.

Those with no interest now..I'd be willing to bet will be making fast passes, taking pictures, and enjoying the land once they go. Same thing with 7dmt. You don't like the movie and think it's too tame of a ride and too short, but you'll still ride it and try to snag a FP for it lol

 

[Rhianna.07]

Avatar definitely hasn't been popular for a long time but with the opening date of Pandora coming soon, I feel like the excitement has gone up. I loved Avatar when it first came out in 2009 but that was also 8 years ago, when I was 8... now I'm 16 but I still feel like it was a really great idea for an area of a park. Definitely plays up the fantasy part of it and creates a reality that you could never experience in the real world. The river boat ride will be a great ride for all ages and will be pretty immersive in the culture of the land of Avatar.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Seems like those complaining or having no interest in the land have never even seen the movie.

Which is fine, but I couldn't judge a new area on something I've never seen or have any idea about. Of course at least one of the sequels should've came out by now to get everyone back talking about the movie(s), but that doesn't take away the fact that it's one of the biggest movies of all time..and a good movie.

Those with no interest now..I'd be willing to bet will be making fast passes, taking pictures, and enjoying the land once they go. Same thing with 7dmt. You don't like the movie and think it's too tame of a ride and too short, but you'll still ride it and try to snag a FP for it lol

I don't watch the movie, "Song of the South," but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy Splash Mountain. The movie, Frozen, wasn't my cup of tea. But I enjoy the Frozen Ever After ride.

I've seen the movie, Avatar. I didn't enjoy it. At all. After the movie, my thought was, "well, that is almost 3 hours of my life that I will never get back."

Does that mean that I won't ride a ride at AK? Of course not. And if I enjoy the ride the first time I try it, I will make fast passes for it.

Now, it does mean that I won't waste my time watching Avatar 2 or 3 or 4 or 5.

 

[Kindermouse]

I'm seeing so many people reference Song of the South here and not having seen it. A few years ago I just had to see the movie that Splash Mountain was based on so I looked it up online. I actually enjoy the ride more now that I know what it is about and can make connections to the scenes in the ride and the characters. I do think knowing the movie can absolutely add to the enjoyment-even if you did love said movie (side note I didnt absolutely love SOTS, it actually lacked substance in the story arc to me but seeing it didnt increase my enjoyment of splash). Those who arent planning to ever watch Avatar may I suggest that you give it a try to increase your enjoyment of the land and rides just a bit more. It does make rides more fun when you feel like they plop you into the center of a movie or a scene from you imagination.

For those that are curious Song of the South can be found on Youtube.

 

[ThistleMae]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but why the heck did it take 6 years?!! I mean, really, it's completely irrelevant now. Compared to something like Star Wars that is timeless.

Truthfully, everyone has a different opinion, and to me Star Wars is just okay, but Pandora is spectacular. Don't get me wrong I've enjoyed Star Wars and everyone seems to have seen it. But Pandora is mystical and beautiful, I think it will be a fabulous addition to AK.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I'm seeing so many people reference Song of the South here and not having seen it. A few years ago I just had to see the movie that Splash Mountain was based on so I looked it up online. I actually enjoy the ride more now that I know what it is about and can make connections to the scenes in the ride and the characters. I do think knowing the movie can absolutely add to the enjoyment-even if you did love said movie (side note I didnt absolutely love SOTS, it actually lacked substance in the story arc to me but seeing it didnt increase my enjoyment of splash). Those who arent planning to ever watch Avatar may I suggest that you give it a try to increase your enjoyment of the land and rides just a bit more. It does make rides more fun when you feel like they plop you into the center of a movie or a scene from you imagination.

For those that are curious Song of the South can be found on Youtube.

Just to let you know, I've seen both movies. I've probably watched Song of the South a few times. But all of those would have been when I was much younger. Pandora, I saw when it came out on video.

Neither will I be watching, again, any time soon. Neither hit me as wonderful, out of this world movies. Pandora was interminable.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Last night I saw yet another commercial for a Pandora opening. This one in particular made me laugh a bit in that I pictured reactions from people who don't follow Disney just puzzling over this coming eons after a movie that really isn't talked about much anymore - other than on Disney boards.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

Hubby and I were having the same conversation recently. It was an amazing movie visually but I never felt like it had the hype to justify a "land" at Disney. I mean - Star Wars I get. That movie has had staying power for 4 decades and has generations of followers which goes beyond a cult (not saying that in a bad way but have you ever met anyone more fanatical than a true Star Wars fan?). Avatar on the other hand... Okay people dressed up in blue leotards for Halloween one year but otherwise.... ?????? I thought the movie was beautiful and an artistic marvel so I still plan to check out Pandora but I still don't understand the logic of the investment.

 

[PatMcDuck]

One big difference is that Pandora/Avatar fits the theme at AK so well. I loved Avatar (and we are also huge SW fans).

Every person I know (personally, I do not mean others on this board) who says negative things about Pandora has never seen Avatar. I am more than fine with them skipping it!

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

And all of you do not believe sequels of AVATAR are anticipated???
I have family members who are very enthusiastic. Just saying.

BTW never was, nor ever will be a STAR WARS fan. But I enjoy the attractions none the less.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/avatar-2009

 

[Keels]

I watched "Avatar" as background noise when it first came out and didn't really feel one way or another, but I probably will watch it again before I go for Opening Weekend - just as reference. But I DO love the concept of worlds and environments other than our own that humans could habitat eons after our lifespan (and those after us) cease to exist, especially when there are examples that we as dwellers of Earth have a chance to experience.

Like the River ride going through a bioluminescent river - one of the most amazing things I've done is kayak through Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico ... which is the brightest "bio bay" on the planet.

Previous posters brought up the concept of the movie - it's basically sci-fi "Pocahontas" in plot line. But while it won't happen in our lifetime (colonization of an alien planet to sustain the human lifeform), it does really strike a chord with me because I worry about the state of our planet as we are now, and especially for the Littles in my life.

To me - in this case, "Avatar" the film provided the ground-level concept for Pandora and WDI was tasked with evolving it more than even the sequels or the movies could (because, let's face it - James Cameron would make "Titanic 2: Jack & Rose Reunited" if he thought it would be a hit at the box office ... I think he's a hack as a movie guy). If I was a betting woman (I am), Cameron was banking on this being the "If you build it, they will come" kinda thing for the sequels. But I don't think the two have to be mutually exclusive.

I'm excited to see a new area, to be immersed in something that has notes I'm familiar with but takes them to the next level. To see the sights, sounds, tastes and touches of something completely new. When Disney does something new and immersive, we ALL win. CarsLand is the most amazing area of a park I've ever experienced. Every night when I'm back home, I wish I was sitting on Route 66 watching the neons come up in Radiator Springs. Not eating at Flo's or Cozy Cone. Not riding RSR or Luigi's. Just sitting there, and feeling like I was IN the movie. And I was NEVER a "Cars" fan.

 

[ShellieMimi]

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/avatar-2009

One man liked the movie in 2009!

Actually, this review mentioned the Navi (Na'vi? N'avi? 'Ohana?) language and it reminded me of the preview video with James Cameron and Whoopi. That man took himself & Pandora so seriously that I think he expected Whoopi to weep in amazement when she saw the floating mountains - and then he started speaking that silly language - all in COMPLETE sincerity! The secondhand embarrassment was terrible, and that's really my main complaint with this movie - it just takes itself too seriously, and so do its hardcore fans (+ its creator), who assign it a level of importance that it does not have.

Avatar was a special effects spectacular and many people enjoyed it. It will never reach the level of Star Wars - and that's okay. Pandora will never be as popular as Star Wars Land - and that's okay. It doesn't have to be. It fits the theming of AK & I'm looking forward to seeing it. It will serve the purpose that Disney wants/needs it to serve. It will have some neat rides and interesting food. Ascribing anything more to it, though, is just silly.

 

[Cinderella94]

Actually, this review mentioned the Navi (Na'vi? N'avi? 'Ohana?) language and it reminded me of the preview video with James Cameron and Whoopi. That man took himself & Pandora so seriously that I think he expected Whoopi to weep in amazement when she saw the floating mountains - and then he started speaking that silly language - all in COMPLETE sincerity! The secondhand embarrassment was terrible, and that's really my main complaint with this movie - it just takes itself too seriously, and so do its hardcore fans (+ its creator), who assign it a level of importance that it does not have.

After reading your comment I wanted to see this video because I'm curious (if you've seen my other comment in the thread, you know I'm not really interested in Pandora and have never seen the movie, so please don't think I'm being argumentative). I watched this video http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...sney-pandora-cameron-view-20170308-story.html and didn't really see what you're describing. Is that the right video or am I missing something?

 

[ShellieMimi]

After reading your comment I wanted to see this video because I'm curious (if you've seen my other comment in the thread, you know I'm not really interested in Pandora and have never seen the movie, so please don't think I'm being argumentative). I watched this video http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...sney-pandora-cameron-view-20170308-story.html and didn't really see what you're describing. Is that the right video or am I missing something?

I use an ad blocker so their videos don't work for me, but it's this one:

At 0:26, Whoopi is trying to talk (about how excited she is, actually!) & Cameron can't seem to let her speak without interrupting her by saying "here it comes!" "wait for it!" "look up! LOOK UP!" etc.

The language is at 1:44, complete with some sort of hand-to-forehead gesture that really had me rolling.

 

[Cinderella94]

I use an ad blocker so their videos don't work for me, but it's this one:

At 0:26, Whoopi is trying to talk (about how excited she is, actually!) & he can't seem to let her speak without interrupting her by saying "here it comes!" "wait for it!" "look up! LOOK UP!" etc.

The language is at 1:44, complete with some sort of hand-to-forehead gesture that really had me rolling.

Yep, that was the same video. You're totally right, he did keep interrupting her. I didn't notice the first time somehow but that was extremely awkward. The language one I guess I gave him more of a pass on since she brought it up and asked him what the phrase meant. I do see what you mean though about taking himself and it too seriously.

 

[epcotty]

We haven't seen the movie, but still the attractions seem interesting. Unfortunately it'll increase the crowds at AK though